Millions flee Chinese deluge

Flood-hit areas of central and southern China have braced for more heavy rains after millions of people were forced to evacuate or were otherwise affected by the early onset of the rainy season.
''Severe floods triggered by heavy rains will continue to threaten parts of southern China,'' Water Resources Minister Chen Lei warned yesterday.
Persistent heavy rains that began in the first week of June have swamped central and southern parts of China. Mr Chen said more than 10 major rivers in affected areas were on the verge of bursting their banks.

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The state weather bureau has forecast continued downpours over the next three days, and the summer typhoon season is approaching.